Safe to use inflatable in storm?

[lester]

I have an inflatable, and due to no overhead canopy, don't hang out too long once a storm hits. I was curious though if I was in any real danger in a PVC boat if lightning hits the water? This might be a stupid question...

 

[kandil]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

It is not safe to be in the water in a storm

 

[mthieme]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

Having been in many squalls, seems to me a rubber boat would be one of the safest things to be in from the lightning perspective.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

Theoretically, the lower profile and smaller the boat, the less chance you have of being struck. Other than that, your chances are generally the same as any other similarly sized and shaped boat.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

In a blow, there are usually other things that always seem to make it further up the worry ladder...like is the bilge pump working? is anything going to hit me or vice versa? etc.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

I've only been really scared in a lightening storm once. I was in an aluminium canoe with a trolling motor. The storm came out of nowhere, as they often do in the desert, and the wind was so strong I couldn't make any headway. Lightening was striking everywhere. One bolt hit the water maybe 50 yards away and was the loudest thing I think I've ever heard. I though for sure my floating lightening rod was next, but the fast moving storm kept right on moving and it was quickly over. I started looking at gas outboard motors the next day.

 

[lester]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

I was out one day about 6 miles from the ramp and a nasty storm came up. There were about 10 boats I could see all around me(none were inflatables) and none of them were acting like anything was happening. I was about to have to change my underpants after seeing how close the lightning was and it made me realize I didn't know too much about the safety of inflatable boating with lightning.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

I'd hate to get hit by lightning, but I'm a firm believer in fate.
When it's time to go, it's time to go.

 

[bayman]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

I would try my best to avoid storms, especially strong ones. Here is some lightning info I ran across months ago - 65 sheep killed by 2 bolts of lightning and 835 sheep killed by a powerful lightning bolt.

http://www.utahweather.org/UWC/weather_pictures/weather_photos_1900-2002.html

That's the kind of power I don't want to mess with.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

No. Apart from the lightning danger (as you WILL be high up! in comparison to the water) then you still need to worry about wind/waves.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

No. Apart from the lightning danger (as you WILL be high up! in comparison to the water) then you still need to worry about wind/waves.

A lightning can hit anytime on water, including boats, whatever is floating around, even yourself on an inflatable. The same lightning as in a electrical storm in a field, can hit animals, houses, trees, machinery and people at random. Just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong moment.

Happy Boating

 

[flwestcoastboater]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

youll get covered and attacked by waves in no time! Ive hit some rough wake in open waters with my inflatable, one white wash will throw in a good gallon of water on ya! Carry a hand bilge pump!

 

[Neverhome]

Re: Safe to use inflatable in storm?

I'd hate to get hit by lightning, but I'm a firm believer in fate.
When it's time to go, it's time to go.

But what if it's your time to go and I happen to be in the boat with you?

Neverhome